The commissioning process is leading to changes in the way the construction industry delivers buildings. As with all change, there is anxiety over what change will bring, how change will affect the industry and organizations involved, and even some fear. Fear arises because organizations have ownership in the way things were and, therefore, feel fear that what was being done will be found to be wrong. And, in so finding, they will be blamed for being a part of what is now seen as wrong.
As a third-party commissioning provider working directly for the building owner or operator, I find myself presented with the opportunity to influence the organizational changes which inevitably follow the changes in the construction industry. I am in a position to observe organizational behavior and "see" situations that, due to organizational structure, culture, politics, or just plain inertia, are not visible to the building owners or operators. By virtue of my independent status, I am able to make frank observations. The challenge is in influencing organizational change without making members of the organization feel stupid or offended for not seeing that change was needed, or for being part of the old way of doing business.